Dirk Nowitzki returned to the Mavericks after 12 seasons when he could have easily gotten more money elsewhere. Jason Kidd is still defying the odds after 16 seasons. Jason Terry is still getting it done pretty well after 11 seasons. Shawn Marion, the only other player to average in double figures during the playoffs, is no spring chicken either with 11 full seasons under his belt (not counting the current season).

Are the Dallas Mavericks getting too old? Not exactly, but if the NBA labor situation deteriorates, much like the NFL’s did, than the team could be minus at least one key player if next season is missed, Jason Kidd.

Earlier in the week the NBA players’ union filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Board in hopes of preventing a lockout in advance of the June 30th expiration of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

The need to make such a move is not encouraging for fans that want their game to be back next season, or players on the bubble like Kidd. Whether it is a negotiating ploy or a legitimate complaint, what it says is that the talks between the players and owners must not be going very well.

Reports have the owners wanting a 40 percent rollback in existing contracts over the next three years and a hard salary cap to be implemented as well.

There has been speculation on the future for Kidd already. Earlier in the season he stated that he was not concerned about the labor issues, but was instead concentrating on the season. However, he added that if the 2011-12 season was erased he would likely retire.

After some more recent comments it appears that he has since changed his tune.

“Nope, I’m not retiring,” Kidd tells us seriously before cracking a smile. “Not only am I having too much fun- I’ve also got bills to pay. So I’m not going anywhere.”

With the team finally in a position to contend for the NBA championship, there is no reason to even consider going anywhere except to his home court Wednesday night to finish off the team of the young, but inexperienced Oklahoma City Thunder.

After completing an improbable comeback in Game 4 Monday night the Mavericks are a single win away from making the franchise’s second trip to the Finals in team history, both coming during the Mark Cuban (the other in the 2005-06 season).

“There’s a laser-like focus with this group to do whatever we can to get the next win,” Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle said. “It’s been a group that’s believed in themselves all year long. We don’t quit. We never give up.…They know what it’s about for us. We’re trying to get somewhere this franchise has never gotten. There’s a real resolve there.”